Uzedy

Generic name: Risperidone

Drug class: Atypical antipsychotics

Dosage forms: Injection, Suspension, Extended release

Root of administration: Subcutaneous

Dose: 50 mg/0.14 mL, 75 mg/0.21 mL, 100 mg/0.28 mL, 125 mg/0.35 mL, 150 mg/0.42 mL, 200 mg/0.56 mL, and 250 mg/0.7 mL

Mechanism of action: Uzedy belongs to a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. Risperidone works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.

Drug usage cases: Uzedy injection is an extended-release injectable suspension used in adults to treat schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions).

Drug contra indications: You should not use Uzedy injection if you are allergic to risperidone or paliperidone. Risperidone may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use. To make sure Uzedy is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

heart disease or a heart attack; dizziness, rapid heartbeats, fainting; a stroke, a TIA or “mini-stroke”; Parkinson’s disease or a type of dementia called Lewy body dementia; trouble swallowing; low white blood cell (WBC) counts; a severe nervous system reaction while using medicine to treat anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness such as schizophrenia; diabetes (in you or a family member); high cholesterol or triglycerides; uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); a seizure; low bone mineral density; breast cancer; dehydration; or liver or kidney disease.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Uzedy: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. High doses or long-term use of risperidone can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use Uzedy, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult. Uzedy injection may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); breast swelling and tenderness, nipple discharge, loss of interest in sex, impotence, erectile dysfunction, difficulty having an orgasm, missed menstrual periods; feeling unusually hot or cold; low blood pressure, fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath, sudden dizziness (like you might pass out); seizure; trouble swallowing; signs of infection – fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, unusual tiredness, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding; severe nervous system reaction – very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out; high blood sugar – increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor; low blood cell counts – fever, chills, tiredness, mouth sores, skin sores, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath; or a painful or prolonged erection.

Warnings: The Uzedy product label carries a Boxed Warning for increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. It is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Warnings and precautions associated with Uzedy include increased incidence of cerebrovascular adverse reactions in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis; neuroleptic malignant syndrome; tardive dyskinesia; metabolic changes; hyperprolactinemia; orthostatic hypotension and syncope; leukopenia, neutropenia, and agranulocytosis; potential for cognitive and motor impairment; seizures; and priapism. While you are taking this medicine, you may be more sensitive to temperature extremes such as very hot or cold conditions. Avoid getting too cold, or becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are taking this medication. Uzedy may impair your thinking or reactions and cause drowsiness. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of this medicine.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause serious problems in the newborn. Tell your doctor right away if you get pregnant. Do not stop the medicine without your doctor’s advice. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of risperidone on the baby. It may be harder for you to get pregnant while you are using this medicine. If you are breastfeeding, tell your doctor if you notice drowsiness, irregular growth, tremors and abnormal muscle movements in the nursing baby.